College of Law and GU-Q Co-Host Talk on Challenges Facing Investment Arbitration
Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Law collaborated with Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) to host Mélida Hodgson, President, American Society of International Law (ASIL), for a discussion on the challenges investment arbitration will face over the next decade. The event was introduced by Dr. Safwan Masri, Dean, GU-Q, and Dean Susan L. Karamanian, College of Law.
Dean Karamanian, and Dr. Georgios Dimitropoulos, Professor and Associate Dean for Research, moderated a conversation with Ms. Hodgson based on her insights, while also sharing their own perspectives on how practitioners and academics can better prepare to navigate the future development of international investment arbitration.
In the conversation, she weighed in on contemporary debates on the ability of established arbitration practices to handle a variety of investment disputes. The speaker also explored the current state of arbitrator qualifications and conduct, as well as the rising challenges of corruption and climate change disputes around the world.
Commenting on the discussion, Dean Karamanian noted: “Specialists and experts in investment arbitration are continually engaged in debate over potential reforms aimed at sustaining this form of international dispute settlement. To this end, the Foundations of International Thought lecture series provided a platform for members of the academy, students, and the public to be involved in the discussion. This initiative was borne of our mutual drive to bring substantial expertise to contemporary legal issues of profound relevance to Qatar, the region, and beyond.”
In his remarks, Dean Masri praised the joint initiative, saying: “At GU-Q, we believe meaningful progress arises when we give ourselves permission to ask tough questions – of both others and ourselves – and embrace the push and pull between tradition and innovation. Our partnership with HBKU embodies this spirit. What began as a shared interest in legal education has grown into a vibrant exchange of ideas, faculty, and students.”
Ms. Hodgson’s talk was the third edition of the College of Law – GU-Q joint lecture series Foundations of International Thought, which convenes renowned experts to provide multidisciplinary perspectives on fundamental issues in the fields of international law, international relations and international political economy. The partnership exemplifies how the College works with local partners to build expertise in critical subject areas within the field of law and strengthen research capacity in the Gulf and the MENA Region, especially.
Commenting on the partnership with GU-Q, Dr. Dimitropoulos said: “We are extremely proud of our partnership with Georgetown University in Qatar. The collaboration is both deep and cuts across various areas, including events like the GU-Q and HBKU Lecture Series on the Foundations of International Thought, research collaborations among faculty members, including Dr. Edward Kolla of GU-Q, as well as collaborative teaching initiatives, including in the S.J.D. program of the College and the recently-established joint TradeLab clinic.”
The College of Law remains committed to hosting further events that facilitate constructive engagement and collaboration.
“Press Release by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), published with permission on Georgetown University Qatar’s website.”